Springborg shows his true colours - Schwarten

Minister for Public Works Robert Schwarten said Lawrence Springborg’s comments today about QBuild were yet another indication that he would privatise the State Government’s maintenance and construction service provider.

Mr Schwarten was responding to comments by the Opposition Leader about QBuild’s ability to deliver the program for Queensland schools announced in yesterday’s Federal Government stimulus package.

“The reality is, instead of foaming at the mouth over the mention of QBuild, I would encourage Mr Springborg to better understand what this business unit does,” Mr Schwarten said.

“Not only has it delivered $700 million worth of work on behalf of Queenslanders, it also it has the most sophisticated supply chain of private subcontractors of any company in the State.

“Over 60 per cent of the work carried out by QBuild is done by private contractors.

“There are literally hundreds of suppliers of labour and materials in Queensland who would disappear without QBuild.”

Mr Schwarten said just as the Department of Public Works delivered the successful $250 million Prep Year program through QBuild, Project Services and private contractors – it would also deliver this latest project for Queensland schools.

“We’re already on the ball and have set in place processes to engage the private sector in this massive building program.

“Obviously, Mr Springborg has no understanding how the construction industry works in Queensland and it’s embarrassing that he resorts to an attack on QBuild workers.

“This comes at a time when QBuild and other Department of Public Works employees are going to engage Queensland’s best to help deliver a massive construction program,” he said.

Mr Schwarten said QBuild’s maintenance program carried out $75 million worth of work on schools in the past financial year.

“Again he shows his ignorance of any matters relating to construction and maintenance in this State.

“He is simply not to be believed.

“If this is the best he can do at a time when builders in Queensland are struggling for work than heaven help the construction industry if he ever becomes the Premier,” he said.

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